New reports from Deloitte Access Economics and recruitment company Robert Half Technology indicate executives are using salary hikes, flexible technology policies and other perks to keep their most valued talent.

Of the 100 technology executives surveyed by Robert Half, three-quarters said they were concerned about losing talent.

“It’s particularly prevalent in IT, where a fairly dynamic hiring landscape means that the average stint done by an IT professional tends to be less than finance,” said Jon Chapman, associate director of Robert Half Technology.

Mr Chapman said technology staff were more confident of shorter tenures, provided they used new jobs to boost their experience in a new field or technology.

Deloitte’s survey of 526 staff found a company’s flexible technology policy – for example, allowing employees to use social media during work – was a big contributor to whether staff were satisfied with their current job.

A third of those surveyed said they would think of leaving their current company voluntarily for better work conditions or when seeking a change.

“There are fewer skilled employees, but they are critical for innovation and business success,” the report said. “If businesses do not win the war for talent they put their futures at risk. “

The cost of replacing a skilled employee could be as high as 75 per cent of their annual salary, Deloitte said.

“I think [chief technology officers] are cognisant of that and are seeking ways to retain their top talent other than just hiking up salary every year,” Mr Chapman said.

For those with in-demand skills, he said it was a job-seekers’ market.